No, not former Patriot tight end Ben Coates. He hasn’t played since 2000. This is Daniel Coats, the former Cincinnati Bengal.

During the bye week, Broncos coach Josh McDaniels and his staff spent considerable time evaluating the team’s 2-6 first-half performance.

It appears one area of identified concern was the tight end position. The Broncos signed Coats, who spent his previous three seasons, plus the first five games of this his fourth season, with the Cincinnati Bengals.

Coats is a Daniel Graham-type in that he’s primarily been used as a blocker but does have receiving skills. Coats has 30 career receptions.

To make room for Coates, the Broncos released defensive end LeKevin Smith, who was signed two weeks ago to replace the injured Kevin Vickerson, who has since returned.